Is it allowed to overtake from the right side?

[DiGavin]

Overtaking from the right side is not allowed. Article 47 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China stipulates: The overtaking vehicle should pass the preceding vehicle from its left side after confirming there is sufficient safe distance. When overtaking, motor vehicles should turn on the left turn signal in advance, switch between high and low beams, and sound the horn. On roads without a central dividing line or with only one motor vehicle lane in the same direction, the preceding vehicle should reduce speed and give way to the right when receiving overtaking signals from the following vehicle, provided that conditions permit. In China, the driver's seat is on the left side, making the left-side view easier to observe compared to the right side. Overtaking from the right requires significant head movement to observe the road ahead. The range of head movement needed for left-side overtaking is smaller than for right-side overtaking, allowing drivers to promptly detect and handle sudden situations such as obstacles, pedestrians, or vehicles appearing on the left. Due to visibility limitations and the greater range of head movement required, right-side overtaking may delay the optimal response time to emergencies.

[DelValeria]

When driving, I place great importance on safety rules, and overtaking should always be done from the left side to be reliable. Overtaking from the right is not a good idea, as it can lead to serious collision accidents. On most roads, especially highways and national roads, other drivers are accustomed to overtaking from the left. Suddenly appearing from the right can catch the driver in front off guard. Once, I read a traffic accident report that highlighted how overtaking from the right increases blind spot risks, making rear-end or side collisions more likely. Additionally, traffic regulations usually prohibit this maneuver unless in special lanes or under explicitly permitted circumstances. I advise drivers to develop the habit of checking rearview mirrors and blind spots before overtaking, then using turn signals to indicate their intention and gradually passing from the left. Don’t rush for temporary speed—arriving home safely is what truly matters. Remember, a small wrong driving decision can lead to major disasters, so sticking to the left-side overtaking rule promotes road harmony and reduces the likelihood of accidents.

[StLola]

From a legal perspective, overtaking on the right side is prohibited in most regions. As an ordinary driver, I strictly adhere to this rule to avoid trouble or fines. For instance, in urban areas or on highways, right-side overtaking can easily disrupt traffic flow, causing other vehicles to fail to yield in time and leading to accidents. Traffic regulations clearly stipulate that overtaking should only be performed in the left lane unless special signs indicate otherwise. With over twenty years of driving experience, I've witnessed numerous dangerous cases of right-side overtaking, such as sudden lane changes on curves or blind spots nearly hitting pedestrians. In daily driving, I prioritize using the left lane for overtaking and avoid attempting it on the right to protect myself and others. When in doubt, consulting local traffic rules or downloading an app for learning is key. Road safety is no trivial matter, and compliance is the safest approach.

[Tessa]

When I first got my driver's license, I thought driving fast was cool, so I tried overtaking from the right side once. I almost scraped the truck next to me and was so scared that my hands were shaking. My friend sitting beside me said, 'This is no joke, you must overtake from the left.' Now that I'm an experienced driver, I always overtake from the left to ensure safety. New drivers tend to be impulsive, but remember that overtaking from the right can catch other drivers off guard, leading to accidents or penalty points. Simply put: overtake slowly, the left side is safer, and don't make the same mistake I did back then. Practice basic maneuvers more and develop good habits.